Housing dominates the cost picture. Per DMAR, the Denver metro median home price is $625,000 in mid-2026. At 6% interest with 10% down, that’s roughly $3,400/month for principal, interest, taxes, and insurance.
Beyond housing: groceries and transportation track close to the national average. Utilities average $150-$250/month. Colorado’s flat 4.4% income tax is lower than most coastal states. The biggest financial surprises for newcomers: car insurance runs above the national average due to hail (comprehensive premiums are high), and HOA fees are common — 42% of Colorado households pay them, averaging $401/month statewide per HOA Management data. Overall cost of living is 5-10% above the national average, driven primarily by housing. Full Colorado relocation guide.